Is your baby weird?

  I'm not going to lie...my kids ARE hilarious.  But what is funny and what is just plain weird.  Well, in our case...the weird has almost always been funny too.  And if it's just my kids that have developed weird quirks...then...have a laugh on us.  Today i'm going to discuss the kid quirks....the odd...the funny...the disturbing..and the ones that require medical attention!  BEYOND thumb sucking, BEYOND hair twirling..there lies that grim area.  The weird area!
  Example 1.)  Natalie and her spitting.  I feel like i'm partially responsible for this one.  See, when I get pregnant I get SICK.  Look like death, throwing up 24 7..SICK.  And one of the things that come with glorious hyperemesis is spitting.  I'll stop right there to keep from going into gross medical detail.  Anyway...we'd just be out in the store and here would be my little curly headed darling spitting in the floor....out the window..on the track at the park.  It's gross!  Strangers would give us "the look" and right away i'd feel like I had to explain.  Which led to me going into gross medical detail to complete strangers.  Looking back I hope that they learned to keep their awkward looks to themselves because i'm sure hearing my medical issues in the middle of Food City wasn't fun! Thank God she outgrew this and figured out it wasn't socially acceptable to spit in the floor of walmart!
 Example 2.) Aiden's leg rubbing.  One day we were walking and he just stopped to rub his knees together....we laughed..it was cute!  Then it was an every few steps kind of thing.  You'd be in a store...look down and he'd be 10 steps behind you...rubbing his knees together.  Weird!  At this point we had Weston..and after 3 kids you no longer care to acknowledge "the look".  I actually did take him to the doctor for this..who laughed and told us not to acknowledge it and it would go away.  It did....after 3 more months of 2.5 hour grocery store trips!
  Example 3.) Aidens stutter!!  Oh my gosh!  It's natural to try and finish a persons sentence when they stutter, BUT you shouldn't.  Aiden's stutter wasn't like that.  He stuttered sounds...or mimicked if you will.  The timer on the dryer, the noise the car makes when you haven't buckled up.  Things that drive you nuts.  And just like when a person stutters a word...I had to just ignore this for it to go away!!!  I did explain this one to strangers....mostly because they'd be just as annoyed as me!  Thank God he outgrew it!
  Example 4.)  The Ninja phase.  Not really weird...unless your kid attacks inanimate objects in public like our Aiden. OHHH this one required many trips to the ER.  One particular trip that stands out is the day Aiden attacked a metal park bench.  The bench won!  He bruised his inner ear.  I had no idea you could do that!  I really appreciate our pediatrician who told me not to ever explain my kids injuries...bumps and bruises are a sign of a healthy childhood and parents who love their child enough to let them play.  That statement has stuck with me ever since.
  Example 5.)  Lets just say our third child, Weston, he has a lot of quirks.  One huge one that has required medical attention.  We are potty training.  And Weston was trying to make a stinky and fell in the potty.  Of course we laughed...he was adorable with his bum stuck in the toilet.  Now, my child is stubborn...and didn't appreciate the laughter.  Sooooo..what does he do?  Decides he will NEVER poo again.  I didn't even know a person could do this.  But..yes, he would sit in the floor...and scream "NOOO"..and just not go!  For days.    Real fun when you're in public and your son screams "I NOOOO Poo!" After 4 HORRIBLE days I took him to the doctor where he was given miralax and is now on the mend.

  Kids are CRAZY!  Tiny lunatics who stuff your tub drain full of peanuts....tell strangers WAY too much and laugh at the most inappropriate times.  Now that you know just a small few of my kids quirks (Oh yes, there are more..some too embarrassing to post online!)  maybe you feel a bit better about your darling who talks to your oven mitt....or your tiny champ who refuses to wear anything that buttons.  Kids are weird.  And that's just that!
  Google has always helped me when I needed to know if something was...eh..normal?  And I never hesitate to take my odd or seemingly disturbing quirks to our pediatrician.

Stand firm

My first mobile blog post so if there's some random auto correct forgive me. As I type I'm riding shot gun on our way to take Sawyer to Lexington for a scan. After some reassurance from a dear friend (thanks Pam!) I'm not as concerned with that. I apologize for my absence lately. As some of you know our family is facing a big move soon. My husbands job isn't always an easy one. As I stated in my "about me" section, we love Hazard, and its our home but its not always possible for us to stay here. Let me explain. My husband is a conductor for CSX. And in eastern KY trains haul coal. Since coal is no longer being mined here the way it was 2 years ago.....well, they don't run empty trains. So, I've been holding my breath while waiting to see where and when we will be transferred. Trying to plan a move with 4 kids, 2 in school, is hard enough. Not knowing where you're moving to or how long you have at home is very VERY stressful. So if I look like a zombie, please understand. While this is a blessing that my husband will still have a job and all the other blessings I'm sure God has planned.......it's still hard. The end to a chapter. And like with any good book you mourn. I have faith that God guides but I am human and right now my heart hurts for this ending. Yet I'm excited and anxious to see what's next. It may be another 5 years before we can hold down Hazard again ( blog name makes sense now,eh ;) ). Stay tuned for what's next.... Some pro moving tips. Yeah, I've earned pro moving status. And tips and tricks I've learned over the years of moving with children.

The yuckies! And a recipe for MAGIC Mouthwash!

I haven't had much time the past couple months to do anything other than visit our pediatrician and clean puke.  It happens.  With 4 little ones...2 in school...we get the yuckies.  We seem to keep them lately!  Besides giving them the speech about hand washing and covering their cough there's not a whole lot I can do from home.  So, while combating all this yuck I came across a recipe for the wondrous substance known as MAGIC MOUTHWASH!!  Here you go ...enjoy!  AND Get well soon!

Magic Mouthwash:
 * 2 tsp Maalox 
 * 2 tsp childrens liquid benadryl 
  Mix...gargle, swish and spit!  You CAN swallow it...if you plan on your little one swallowing make sure you adjust the Maalox and benadryl to the dosage for your childs height and weight.  AND have a glass of 8 oz of water for them to drink after swallowing it.  Relief for strep, mouth sores and sore throat. 


NOTE: I am not a doctor and you should always check with your doctor if you have any questions. Basically, be smart and safe! 

Tips and tricks for making it on a BUDGET

  As you know...Harlow is currently laid off.  Which really isn't anything new since he works for CSX ;)  So, here is a list of tips and tricks of how we have survived furloughs and live COMFORTABLY on a budget.  It's mostly common sense.

1.)Groceries: First, we have no "bad" food habits.  What I mean is...we don't drink pop.  And we don't buy snack cakes or junk food.  Well, Harlow still holds on to his chip eating habit...but..besides that..NO JUNK!  As for veggies and fruit, we buy frozen.  Why frozen...well...it's cheaper than fresh and more nutritious and better tasting than canned.  Don't get me wrong, canned beans are where it's at for chili and soups.  But as for vegetable, they're frozen closer to the source they're harvested from...the longer they sit on a shelf the more nutrients they lose. Making frozen sometimes HEALTHIER than fresh.  Which is important to me because I want my kids to establish healthy eating habits now.  I use the sale paper to stock up on meats.  I don't buy bottled water....just watch the movie "Tapped".   If it's coming out of your faucet and you don't have a well ...it's filtered.

2.)Clothes: I now shop for 6 people.  AND being that I LOVE fabric and sewing I have a hard time paying for names.  Basically, a cotton T-shirt is a cotton t-shirt whether it has Justice or Garanimals on the tag.  Don't get me wrong, I will definitely pay more for quality in a piece my kids will get a lot of wear out of.  Like coats and little boy jeans.  Which I now buy wrangler from Walmart for Ace because he rubs the knees out of everything else.  I'm a sale shopper.  I usually shop twice a year for everyone.  Once on black Friday, online at home....and once at the start of spring.  The reason, well, black Friday there are some really great deals on jeans, coats and sweaters.  I can load up the whole family for fall and winter.  Old Navy and Childrens Place are two of my favorites.  And in Spring..right when the season starts to change you can find great deals on fall and winter clothes...I buy a size larger for the following year ;)  AND they usually have a 40% off sale on their new arrivals.  So I get a jump start on summer too.  ALSO....Walmart is my favorite place for summer stuff.  They put out these little $5.00 outfits for boys EVERY year..and I will grab about 10 for each boy and let them wear them till their worn out.  And if you have boys you know that doesn't take long.  So, that's about $150.00 for 3 boys....NOT BAD EH?!?  Also, I LOVE www.thredup.com !!  If you've never visited the site...GO..NOW..seriously.

3.)Entertainment: Here is where I really get savvy.  We don't have cable!  We haven't in years.  Through our phone company we bundled our DSL, phone and a ROKU box for 50.00.  Now, the ROKU box streams Netflix, HULU, Amazon, and Pandora.  We subscribe to Netflix..$8.00 a month...and Amazon Prime $75.00 a YEAR.  Amazon prime comes with all kinds of perks...a ton of movie selections and some movies you can even watch while they're still in theaters AND free 2 day shipping from their site.  We get to monitor what our kids see, avoid commercials and save $$$.  We also use Red Box.  Also, pay attention to your local calendar for things to do.  There's always something going on in Hazard...SWEAR it!  In the summer we LOVE Way Bak Wyn Drive In.  Good prices and our kids love it.  Family time is also a biggie in our house.  With 4 kids i'm never really lacking in entertainment.

4.)Exercise: We usually enjoy running.  When i'm not recovering from having a baby and Harlow isn't nursing a bad foot.  There are many places to work out in Hazard.  We have a park to walk/run....many hiking trails...the pavilion for when it's bad out.  My personal favorite...I LOVE to run/walk up by where Trus Joist used to be.  SOOOO many dirt trails.  My joints and heart always thank me for it.

5.)Cleaning and Home supplies: One store....the Dollar Tree.  In fact the BEST dishwasher detergent I have ever used is their Sun brand.  No white gunk and they come out clean.  The only cleaning supply i'm really a snob about is laundry detergent.  I either make my own (Really...you can do that) or buy gain.  Just depends on how low I let my supply get before running out to the store.  You can even find toilet paper at the Dollar Tree...and honestly...do you really care what brand of toilet paper you ...well..you know what you're doing with it.

6.)Medicine: Always ask if there's a generic...it's that easy.  And for over the counter stuff....look for the store brand.  Look at the active ingredient and compare it to the store brand.  For example...benadryl...the active ingredient in benadryl is diphenhydramine.  Now you can buy the brand name diphenhydramine, benadryl..OR you can buy your diphenhydramine for $1.00 at the Dollar Tree.  Will it work any better the more you pay for it...NO.  Always ALWAYS go for the generic if you can.

That's all I have for now.  If you have any tips or tricks that you feel is savvy please leave them in a comment here or shoot me a message.  I'd love to hear them!

We will overcome, by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony.

  I offended people today.  I spoke up about the death of an industry that has provided for our community for decades.  The coal industry.  I didn't speak ill about it.  In fact it's fed my family.  My husband is a railroad conductor for CSX...or he was..until this past November.  Their main freight in this area...obviously..coal. There's a reason I am so confident about  the future of my family...my friends...and our area. Let me explain.
  This past Wednesday I attended refuel at Journey Church on Main St. Ben, our preacher, spoke about how we all have a story, a past..God has brought us through.  Basically, how do you know you'll be alright?  Now, I know not everyone reading this attends church, is a Christian or knows the story of Job.  So, bare with me.  Job was a man who lost all he had.  Not just his way of making money..but his family...his property.  I know a lot in this community are feeling loses.  I am one of them.  So, to meet the challenge Ben gave us to tell our story...our testimony....here it goes.
  I lost my Mom at age 11.  Not to an illness or anything foreseen...but a house fire.  An 11 year old girl who just lost her Mom, you know I was angry...terrified...and SO depressed.  Do I believe it was God's doing...absolutely!  But from that I developed a great relationship with my Dad AND my Mom's family who I had never really known.  I had to grow up fast...but God was there..looking back I can see how he met me in that dark time.  In every situation...even when I was mad at him.  Even when I didn't understand what was going on.   Because I wasn't there in that fire....nope.  I was saved from that.  And so was my Dad.  I could be angry that he took her...but i'm not.  He saw me through it...and it was her time.  She was a christian and I know she wouldn't trade this for that.. not for anything.
  Fast forward to 19.  Harlow and I bought our first house!  A beautiful 2000 sq ft house just 45 minutes from Virginia Beach.  Perfection in wood...huge porch...big yard..big living room with a fireplace.  Close enough to Richmond to be convenient but far enough away to not be bothered.  We were SO happy with our purchase.  It was home...for the first time since my previous house went up in flames...I felt at home.  This was in 2007...JUST before the mortgage bubble popped.  Being young and dare I say...dumb..or..well green...we had never heard of an ARM aka adjustable rate mortgage.  The payment went up within the first 3 months...and after you added the insurance..$1300.00 a month.  Which was fine...just fine.  Until Harlow lost his job...our very first CSX furlough!  The first month....I didn't panic...until we caught word that this furlough was going to last awhile.  And if you're not familiar with railroading...ALL you get is word of mouth about things to come.  Looking back...that word was right on!  It took 2 years to call those men back.  Now, we had an out.  We had a home here...in Hazard...family, ready and willing to welcome us back..to help..with open arms!  So...I put our house up for rent...to a nice couple who signed every page I asked them to sign of their lease.  Handed me a check for $1800.00 as a deposit and we loaded a big UHAUL and drove away from that home for the last time.
  Harlow hadn't been with CSX long enough to get unemployment..so I took a job at the first place that called me back..SYKES.  I made nothing compared to what he made before and at the time we had 2 kids. But we always managed to make it.  Little did I know the sweet couple who was renting our house had written me a cold check and had NO intention of ever paying rent.  After not hearing from them for 3 months I finally had to call the cops in the area and have them check to see if they were even still occupying the residence.  Now...you do the math...3 months behind on a mortgage I couldn't possibly pay..while trying to pay bills that I had acquired when we were actually making decent pay...yeah.  Here's where we make a tough decision....struggle and try to pay debt we can't possibly pay...or meet with a lawyer and face the inevitable.  I still have nightmares of the number....quarter of a million dollars in debt....and I did it in 1 year of being legal!  That has to be a record right?  Anyway...we filed bankruptcy.  Bankrupt at 19!  And glad of it.  I had an ulcer and the stress was killing my marriage.  Looking back now...I see God in that dark time.  I had family...I had food....my kids were loved and provided for.  Maybe not in the manner they were accustomed to...but they were taken care of.  And I vowed back then to NEVER set my bar according to what others thought was success.  Because when it came down to it...I left that house on a table in a courtroom...and didn't blink.  What mattered to me were the people I loved.  And I NEVER have to buy them.
  Now we're back in Hazard...and guess what!  CSX called Harlow to work in Ashland.  21/2 hours away from our home in Hazard.  It was a job with benefits..so...he took it!  And the driving and the going with no sleep got difficult.  So he marked up on a board in Martin, KY..just 45 minutes from our house.  (Again, sorry for the railroad speak...but basically he could work in Martin)  Still a drive...but...we were home...we had a place to live thanks to my Dad...and our kids were taken care of.  We made it through.  It looked like we were losing it all....but that bankruptcy saved our marriage.  Without that happening we wouldn't have our 2 youngest boys..Weston and Sawyer.
  There are many other ways God has met me in dark times.  Medical problems...marital problems...a couple car accidents and an 11 month long furlough since the first.  But I already feel naked...so...we'll leave it as it is.  The reason I am so confident...and maybe a little cocky..is that God has seen me through everything.  I am here.  I am happy....I am provided for and I am strong!  And I praise the God who continues to meet me in EVERY challenge and hard situation I am in.  And I really hope this comes across in the tone I mean it to.  I love you all....and God loves you all.  Have faith..and a little creativity to view this as what it is.  A new beginning and a fresh start to something bigger and better.
 

The REAL Daddy issue

  If you have me on facebook, then you know that the topic of  involved Dads is VERY dear to me.  It's one thing to have a husband who works and provides for his family...that's fantastic!  You have an excellent provider.  There's a BIG difference in a provider and an involved Dad.  Let me explain.
  An involved Dad is one who does 80 to 100% as much as you do with and for your child/children.  The diaper changes, the night time feedings, the boo boo kisses..the breakfast making.  ALL that.  No good marriage is 50/50..it's 100/100...parenting is the same.   And to those single Mom's...you amazing fantastic ladies..you do 200!  But you're a whole other post!
  I get so frustrated to hear a Mom say that her husband is "babysitting".  No...NO..NO..if your husband has his own children..it's parenting.  I think it starts when you bring baby home.  As Mom's there's so much pressure these days to be BUSY.  And perfect.  You see women who work full time jobs and their kids are in all kinds of sports.  Or you see the new Mom who's already in her size 5 pre pregnancy jeans, her baby NEVER seems to cry and she just gave birth 2 months ago.  It looks legit!  And facebook doesn't help!  You see posts and pictures of how wonderful and together everyone has it.  What you don't see is the honest to God story.  You don't see that it took 2 hours to get that photo of that happy baby.  Or the fact that the Mom who works full time struggles just to get 5 minutes of quality time with her kids....you get it....no one has it all together.  Not really.  We're all just learning as we go.  AND that brings it back around to Dad.  In the same way that no one is just born having it all together as a mother.....no man is just born knowing how to be a Dad.
  Admit it...you've accidentally given your baby formula thats sat out longer than it should.  Bottles get confusing in the middle of the night!  Breast feeding isn't easy for every woman!  Swaddling isn't something you just naturally knew how to do!  It takes time...trial and error.  It's the same for men!
  I remember bringing Natalie home, she was our first baby, and I wanted to be perfect for her.  The ultimate Mom.  I never wanted her to cry...I never wanted her to feel cold...I counted her dirty diapers for goodness sake!  I had read every book I could get my hands on about parenting.  From attachment parenting to the ferber method.  Then I decided that I really didn't need it.  I took the good..and chucked the ridiculous.   I lost my Mom when I was 11...so I really relied on the internet, books and my cousins (LOVE you for always taking my calls Tasha!) when I had questions.  And it wasn't until I started following my own instincts that it all came together.  And do you know who got left out of all this parenting decision making...poor Harlow.  Here he was...holding my precious angel like a football.....burping her all "wrong"...blowing in her face to make her make funny faces.  It would stress me out.  It wasn't until we had Ace and sheer exhaustion sat in that I realized I was missing something.  Something big..and wonderful.  HE was holding my babies...my babies WERE burping.....HE was making them smile.  These were HIS babies too.  And it wasn't until I expected him to help me and do more that he did.  I haven't looked back since and i'm so glad.
  Harlow, he really is an amazing Dad.  He does just as much if not more than me on any given day.  Don't rob your husband of the same things you don't want to miss.  Taking care of a baby and children is so messy and so rewarding.  The real bonds are made from changing the baby...they're getting out of an uncomfortable mess......and feeding them..even if it's chili dogs or pizza for breakfast...the day to day norm.  Let him have that joy too.  You won't be remembered as a sub par Mom by sharing the parenting load....but you'll be giving your children an amazing gift.  And yourself too.  Harlow has never been more sexy than when he's caring for our children.  Or more hilarious!
Sincerely, from a girl raised by a hands on Dad ;)

Harlow aka The Swaddle King and Baby Natalie (Photo by Natasha Bowling)

A "different" list of baby essentials and DIY wrap 2 for under $20.00!!!

I am a mother of 4.  I have been given SOOOO much baby advice.  And like all mothers...I keep the good and toss the rest..(OR call up my friends and laugh at the bizarre!! For example, tape a quarter to the baby's belly button to turn an outie into an innie! HA!)  Here is a list of some of THE best advice i've received and discovered for baby products.

1.) Sandwich bags: These things are great, cheap and found just about everywhere!  The reason they're fantastic...you can use them to pack paci's, dirty diapers, medicine AND outfits that get messy when you're out.  Explosive diarrhea can happen ANYWHERE.  Keep these handy in your diaper bag.  And not just for the diaper bag.  Nursery too.  Diaper genies are pricey...really..they are.  Once you add in all the refills...babies go A LOT!  Simply keep a box of sandwich bags by the changing table..put your dirty diapers in em.."zip" em up..and toss.  Cheap and effective odor control!

2.)Cloth diapers: If you are choosing to cloth diaper..then for obvious reasons.  If not..BURP CLOTHS!  They really are the best.  My cousin, Natasha (also a Mom of 4), got me a 13 pack when I was pregnant with my first baby, Natalie.  They really are fantastic.  They're actually absorbent! The cutesy ones in boutiques and at Walmart just aren't.  AND they're bleachable!  And 13 for around $10.00 versus $10.00 for 3 that are basically printed wash cloths...think about it!  And if cutesy prints are important to you...stitch some fabric over these.  You'd still come out saving $$$...and some of your tops.

3.)This Infant Bather: 

The reason it's awesome, well..it's mesh.  A newborn is not going to be able to sit comfortably in a plastic tub until they're able to sit.  At that point baby can just sit in the bathroom tub!  This little $13.00 (found at Walmart) mesh bather holds the baby softly.  The baby is not floating up or slipping down which happens in the big bulky plastic tubs.  AND it warms up with the water...because it's mesh and like a big cloth.  I love these things..they're cheap..and all you'll need until baby is ready to sit in the big people tub :)  You can go without ANY tub or bather by simply sitting in the tub with your baby or showering with baby.

4.)THE nasal bulb syringe from the hospital: DO NOT LOSE IT!  They're THE best one's you can have.  And I haven't been able to buy one in a store that can compete with the one's i've brought home from the hospital with me.  They're soft and flexible.  Perfect.  I don't know why you can't find them in that quality from a store...conspiracy!

5.)White men's T-shirts: This really isn't for baby.  And you really don't NEED them.  But I LOVE mine.  I have 20 white mens v-neck tee's.  They're perfect for days at home....and when you're just bringing baby home...especially if you're nursing...you don't really get out that often.  At least I don't.  They're cheap, bleachable (spit up and baby food stain friendly), they stretch and they look cute with jeans and a cardigan (for when people just SURPRISE you and show up to meet baby) OR with sweat pants.  They've become a staple in my Mommy wardrobe.
  That's really it for my list...so..here's a wrap tutorial :)
  If you've looked at the price tags on a Moby or Boba wrap you know they're not cheap.  What you may NOT know is...this is just a 10 ft. piece of Jersey knit cotton fabric.  Really....that's it.  Now...go check the price of jersey knit cotton fabric.  Yup..that's right....on average $3.97 a yard in a fabric store.  Since I live in HAZARD there is no fabric store.  So..off to Walmart I went.  I paid $18.86 for 5 yards.  That's all you need.  5 yards.  The fabric is usually 50-55 inches wide.  The wrap only needs to be 25!  So..BARGAIN..2 wraps for under $20.00 versus the price tag on a Moby.  I'll take it!  Of course you need to cut the fabric in half ...giving you two 5 yard pieces with the width of 25 inches each. TWO WRAPS! Fold one of your pieces in half again...and lets put this thing on!

 Find the middle of your fabric..place it in the center of your belly. SEAM side up.

 Like this! Where..it's really a personal comfort thing...but you'll want it pretty close under your breasts.

 Take one side....and wrap it behind and over your shoulder.  CAREFUL not to twist or bunch the fabric.  The seam "pocket" should be pointed at your face.

 Repeat for the other side.  AGAIN..Careful not to twist or bunch.















Should look like this in the back.

 Now....Take your shoulder pieces and hold them together...again...careful not to twist or bunch.

 Slide them under the piece at your navel.

 Now....this depends on which hand is your dominate hand. I'm right handed so I take the right piece over the left.  If you're left handed..do the opposite.

 AND tie it in the back.

 Take baby...lay baby on your dominate shoulder...my right.

 Open your little seam pocket.

 And slide baby in feet first.  Careful to make sure there is fabric between your chest and baby.  Baby's head should be resting pretty close/on your heart.

My snuggle buddy was lifting his head though. Take the other pocket and fold over baby.  Like so.

 Now take the bottom piece and pull over baby's bottom.

 And on up!

My little snuggle buddy was wiggly...but here he is...all snuggled in and i'm hands free!  To eat...to paint...to sew..to shop.  And there ya have it!  Wear your baby..on a budget!